Big Michael Olmsted turns some heads

Phoenix -- There was a good deal of energy on one of the back diamonds at the Milwaukee Brewers' Maryvale complex early Wednesday afternoon, despite the cold, cloudy, drizzly conditions.

That's because big Michael Olmsted was on the mound, throwing live batting practice to hitters.

Based on just physical appearance, Olmstead is intimidating enough. The Brewers list him at 6 feet 6 inches and 245 pounds, but it's a safe bet he tips the scales at around 270.

Then there's the three-quarters delivery, followed by a fastball that definitely makes a catcher's mitt pop.

In the time he threw his 30 or so pitches, and even afterward in the clubhouse, Brewers hitters and staff members alike were buzzing about how nasty Olmsted was in his brief appearance.

Oh yeah, and no one mustered any real good swings off him, either. Among those who tried were Taylor Green and Scooter Gennett.

"You can't miss it -- it's so quiet out there," Olmsted said of the buzz. "It’s a good feeling. Obviously it’s their first or second time seeing live pitching, so you don’t expect them to be 100% on everything. I know I’m going to fool a few guys – everyone’s going to in the first couple live BPs."

Said pitching coach Rick Kranitz: "I love guys that are a little different, and he is different. He's way across his body (with his delivery). He's extremely tough on right-handers. I know it's BP and all that, but he looked good. I like different. I know the hitters don't."

The 25-year-old Olmsted has traveled a long road to the Brewers' camp, including a stint in the Japanese minor leagues and in the minors with Boston last season.

He was 1-4 with a 1.52 earned-run average and a terrific 0.86 WHIP in 47 games (59 1/3 innings) out of the bullpen between high Class A Salem and Class AA Portland, with 92 strikeouts against 15 walks.

Olmsted also held opposing hitters to a cumulative .168 batting average.

Now, he gets an opportunity in a new place with a new team.

"My whole career I’ve been in Florida for spring training, so now I’m in Arizona and I’m brand-new to everyone," he said. "No one knows who I am or how hard I throw or what I throw and all that stuff. I was kind of expecting that reaction a little bit, just because of the unknown factor."

How hard does he throw? Olmsted said last season he was clocked between 93 and 97, consistently throwing in the 95-96 range.

Throw in his funky delivery and his size, and he will be an interesting guy to watch this spring as he tries to win one of the open spots in the Brewers' bullpen.

"Any time you can put something other than good thoughts in the hitters’ minds, any time you can intimidate them, it gives you an advantage," he said of his on-mound presence. "And as a pitcher you’re looking for any advantage you can get – just like they’re looking for any advantage against you.